Mayor of Worcester Blog

Monday 16^th: It was really enjoyable to welcome many civic friends (the “chain gang”) and representatives of organisations from across the County and beyond to the Parlour for the Mayor’s Annual New Year’s lunch-time reception. It is great to have built up in a fairly short time such a “happy family”. I noted how valuable it was for networking purposes.

Tuesday 17^th: Debt is a serious problem for so many people and sympathetic expert advice is greatly needed. Ted Duckett came to tell me about a “Christians Against Poverty” centre to be launched shortly in Worcester. Based in Bradford it is an award winning debt counselling charity with over 150 centres in the UK. I am sure this will be a valuable asset here: more information on www.capuk.org

The Kay’s Theatre Group has an established track record for its annual pantomimes. This evening Jane and I attended “Humpty Dumpty” at the Swan, the Group’s 58^th production. So much good clean fun! Look out for “Dick Whittington” next year.

Wednesday 18^th: Our past mayor, David Clark, brought 22 of his “U3A” (University of the Third Age) group to the Parlour as part of a tour of the Guildhall. As one member said to me on leaving: “I have been here several times before but I learn something new every time”.

The pantomime season continues and Jane and I thoroughly enjoyed the performance of “Dick Whittington” by the Norbury Players in the Norbury Theatre in Droitwich. I always admire the hard work that so many people…. and children!!…. put into these productions. Congratulations to Joanna Hughes (Director) and the whole cast and crew.

Thursday 19^th.: Our monthly meeting with “Leukaemia Care” and “Worcester FOAG” took place to continue the planning of future events…. watch these spaces!!

Lauren Billington was the fund-raising manager of “Leukaemia Care” and has moved on to another job. Lauren was always very enthusiastic with what seemed like unlimited energy. She came to the Parlour for “coffee” this morning to say “thank you” for our contribution to “Leukaemia Care”: there is no doubt that she will keep an interested eye on us while we continue to raise funds through the mayoralty.

Friday 20^th: Well, we are almost there with the planning for the “Diamond Jubilee” celebration Dinner on 10th February. I am most grateful for the work that the Rotary Club of Worcester have put into this and what, I am sure, will be a great evening.

The Old Palace, in Deansway, dates from the 11^th century. The rooms are magnificent and one of the city’s best kept secrets. The Great Hall was a wonderful setting for a reception given this evening by The 113^th Bishop of Worcester, The Rt. Rev. Dr. John Inge.

Saturday 21^st: I have never been to a live basket ball match before! Jane and I really enjoyed the match this evening between Worcester Wolves and the Cheshire Jets in the Sports Centre of the University. The Wolves are a tough team to beat and they won 97 to 87. Indeed they have been British Universities’ and Colleges’ Sport Champions five times over the last few years. Currently on points they are just ahead of the Newcastle Eagles in the Basket Ball League.

Last week I wrote about the “Adoption of Gouzeaucourt (France) by Worcester” on 1^st February 1921. I am grateful to Derek Furby who has found an entry in the “Worcester Berrow’s Journal” (below) for 2^nd July 1921:

Garden Fete at Perdiswell in Aid of Gouzeaucourt

“Fine weather on Thursday afternoon favoured the opening of the fete at Perdiswell Park, the proceeds of which are to go towards relief of Gouzeaucourt, the French village destroyed during the war which Worcester has adopted.  There were present at the opening ceremony, the Mayor (Ald.Charles Edwards) and Mrs Edwards, Mrs Kirkham, Colonel W.R. Chichester, Ald. A. Carlton and Mrs Carlton, and many others who were helping to organise the fete.  So worthy a cause commanded a great effort, and it was made.  There were plenty of stalls with loads of good things and side shows, such as hoop-la, bowling, fortune telling etc without number.  In addition to this, the Committee (of which the Mayor is the Chairman) and Col. H.T.Clark the energetic Hon.Sec. had obtained the services of such people as Mrs Day (dramatic entertainments) Mrs Nancy Harrison (dancing display) Mrs Ernest Oram (concert), and the Sportsmen’s committee who organised a very successful program of sports.  The Band of the Depot Worcestershire Regiment played selections in the evening, and later played for dancing.  A tennis tournament was also played during the afternoon.  In such a way there was very little time for the afternoon or evening to become uninteresting and everybody appeared to enjoy themselves.

“The Mayor, in asking Col. Chichester to declare the fete open, said that he had played a great part in the war, and since his retirement from the Army he had proved himself on many occasions, a good sportsman and a good English gentleman.  He was one of those who was always willing to play his part in anything that was for the betterment of his fellow countrymen.

“In declaring the fete open, Col. Chichester said that his only claim to such an honour was that he had been connected with the Worcestershire Regiment for a long time. He briefly described why Worcester had adopted Gouzeaucourt. Two battalions of the Worcestershire Regiment were identified very closely with that village – the 2/8^th Battalion and in a lesser degree, the 4^th (?) Battalion. They must go back to the November days of 1917, when an offensive was arranged with Cambria as its objective.  It was the first offensive in which tanks were used to any great extent, in company with infantry.  The attack was successful to a certain degree, but about 6 miles from Cambria the offensive was held up.  For about a week “scrapping” went on.  The Boche then advanced a counter blow with a tremendous barrage, employing troops specially trained which they had brought over from Russia.  They broke our lines and drove through.  The position was critical for the Third Army.  The 61^st Division, of which the 2/8^th Battalion of the Worcestershire Regiment formed a part, were hurried from Arras and the 2/8^th took up their position in front of the village of Gouzeaucourt.  They withstood the attack for a long time but through the troops on either side being driven back, they found themselves with their flanks in the air.  Captain Stallard, who was in command of the leading company of the Battalion withdrew by sectional rushes, and in this retreat Captain Stallard was very severely wounded.  The Battalion under Captain Holcroft reformed and made a counter attack, and so successful was it that the Boche offensive was stopped.  He thought that the attack was the means of holding the rest of the advance up for the winter.  The Battalion suffered very severely 400 or 500, including officers being killed.  In adopting Gouzeaucourt they were doing what was being done all over the country and he thought their choice was a very happy one.  He explained what the need of Gouzeaucourt was.  They wanted a pump to obtain water, and he hoped that the fete would go along way to realising the sum required.  He was in the neighbourhood of Gouzeaucourt last autumn, and if they had only seen the place as he saw it, with hardly a fresh blade of grass or a stick standing, they would feel very much for the poor inhabitants of that village.

 “On the proposition of the Mayor, seconded by Alderman Carlton, a vote of thanks was passed to Colonel Chichester.  Alderman Carlton remarked that none knew better than he did, the wonderful work which Colonel Chichester did, when he came as Commandant at Norton.  Not only did he do his military duties in the best possible manner, but was willing to give his best for the benefit of the City of Worcester.

“A vote of thanks was also passed to Mrs Kirkham, through whose generosity the Committee were able to use the gardens for the fete.

“The stall holders were:- Refreshments Mrs Knott and a very large number of workers.  Sweets:- Mrs Turner, MrsKnowles and Mrs V Ridlington.  Hoop-la:- Mrs Brimmacomb, Miss Brimmacomb and Mrs Sandy.  Produce:- Mesdames Hobbs, EC Harrison, Legge, Brettle, Clarke, Bennett, J Moore, Miss Heale and Miss Middleton.  Clock golf and Ladder croquet:- Messers E Oran, Kernaught, Jordan and Cartwright.  Tennis:- Miss Kirkham.

“The first entertainment of the afternoon was a dramatic one organised by Mrs Ernest Day, in which there were many well known amateurs.  The play – a play of the (?)teenth century was entitled “King Rene’s Daughter” and the plot evolved around the daughter who was cured of her birth affection of blindness.  Mr F Underwood played the part of King Rene very ably, and Miss Peggy Edwards Lolanthe the daughter, gave a natural and convincing interpretation of a difficult part.  Mr Maurice Webb was equally successful in his role as her suitor, Count Tristram of Vandermont.  In company with Mr LS Agington as Sir Geoffrey of Orange, his friend there was much interesting, and well expressed dialogues.  Mr Douglas Herbert as Eon Janis the Arabian physician, who cured Lolanthe’s blindness, had a severe and restrained part to play, and his interpretation of this character was very praiseworthy.  Mr WFS Underwood as Almerio; Mr Leonard Knowles as Bertrand, and Miss Southall as Martha, each contributed in their separate ways to what was undoubtedly a very successful entertainment.

“Miss Nancy Harrison’s pupils, whose popularity increases with each fete which they attend, gave an exhibition of dancing, similar to those which they have given elsewhere.  Their pretty and entertaining costume dances attracted a large audience.  Another well patronised event was a concert arranged by Mrs Oram. With Mr CH Baker she opened the program with a capital duet “Key(?) of Heaven”.  Miss Dona Lucking, whose delightful singing is well known to Worcester audiences, sang very sweetly “What’s in the Air”.  Mr E Davis’s “Senora” was very well received, and in response to an encore he gave a popular if rather light song “Wild Wild Women”.  Mrs Oram concluded the programme with a song which was very well received.  Mr HH Burgess was the accompanist.”

Last week I mentioned our planning the commemoration, in August 2014, of the Centenary of the outbreak of the First World War and the request for ideas. It has recently been brought to my attention the “Adoption of Gouzeaucourt (France) by Worcester” (in conjunction with the British League of Help for Devastated Areas of France) on 1^st February 1921. Our mayor at the time was Ald. Charles Edwards JP.

Gouzeaucourt is in northern France and was captured by the 8th Division on 12-13 April 1917 and lost on 30 November 1917 at the end of the Battle of Cambrai. It was recaptured on the same day by the 1st Irish Guards but lost again on 22 March 1918 but finally retaken by the 21st Division on 8 October. There are 916 casualties from several nations buried at the Gouzeaucourt New British Cemetery.

Gouzeaucourt New British Cemetery

Wednesday 11^th: To reach 100 years of age is a wonderful  achievement. So Jane and I were delighted to attend the birthday party of Mrs. Elsie Miles at “The Willows”. She was clearly excited about this special event surrounded by her family and friends…and of course a card personally signed by Her Majesty The Queen. Just think: this lady was born in the year that Scott reached the South Pole and four days before the Titanic sank in the Atlantic.

Thursday 12^th: The Worcester Twinning Association met this evening to discuss and progress our relationships with our four twin towns: Kleve (Germany), Le Vésinet (France), Worcester (USA) and Ukmerge (Lithuania). We also have a friendship arrangement with Vernon (France). This year 2012 is special being our 25^th. anniversary of twinning with Kleve. Membership of the Association is open to residents of Worcester and its surrounding villages….so do join us (web site: www.worcester-international-link.org.uk).

During the meeting we heard about the exciting news of a Worcester International Festival for Young Singers 19^th – 27^th July 2013. This will be the first ever festival of its kind in the United Kingdom. It will bring 400 young people from 48 European countries and elsewhere in the world (e.g. Singapore and the USA) singing together under the banner of “Peace and Unity between Nations”. The organisers are “Sing UK” in partnership with the European Choral Association – Europa Cantat. There will be concerts, workshops (ateliers), street singing and then on 26^th July 2013 a final Gala Concert. But why in Worcester? I quote from the brochure: “Worcester presents a fine location to hold the event. With its compact city centre, wealth of historic, cultural and musical heritage, attractive setting, excellent educational facilities and access by road, rail and air, Worcester has it all – providing a great opportunity for the city to become the proud new UK home for this international event!” More information on the web site: www.singuk.org

Our city is blessed with fantastic views and none greater than the Malvern Hills to the South and West. Did you see the amazing sunset this evening? Layers of turquoise, orange, apricot, reds and slate grey above the length of the Hills… I have never seen such a spectacular sight. Did anyone take a photograph?

The time of sunset is the moment the trailing edge of the sun’s disk disappears below the western horizon. The light from the setting sun is greatly distorted near the horizon because of atmospheric refraction, making sunset appear to occur when the Sun is actually below the horizon. As white sunlight passes through the atmosphere, some of the colours are scattered by air particles, changing the final colour of the beam leaving the oranges and reds. The evening air contains more particles than morning air so sunrise colours are less brilliant than sunset colours.

Sunset looking south-east over the city, towards the Malvern Hills this week

“Red sky at night shepherds’ delight, red sky in the morning, shepherds’ warning.” Some say “bishops” or “sailors” instead of “shepherds”.

One hundred years ago, January 1912, was an interesting month for events: The Republic of China was established, The Scout Association was incorporated throughout the British Commonwealth by Royal Charter, The African National Congress was founded, The English polar explorer Captain Robert Falcon Scott and a team of four reached the South Pole only to discover that Roald Amundsen had got there before, The International Opium Convention was signed at The Hague, the world’s first flying boat’s maiden flight and the moon was nearer to the earth than it had been this century at 356,375 kms. Wow!

It seemed very odd to have few mayoral engagements this week but at least it gave Jane and me a chance to recharge our civic batteries.

Wednesday 4^th: The group planning the commemoration, in August 2014, of the Centenary of the outbreak of the First World War is coming up with some interesting ideas. We met in the Parlour this afternoon. It is clear from what Lord Faulkner tells us that we in Worcester are “ahead of the game”. What we now need to do is crystallise our thoughts into a provisional plan. However we do want to involve as many people as possible in making contributions. So we will be placing a leaflet and box in the Guildhall Lower Hall for suggestions or you can write to me directly.

Thursday 5^th: David Candler, who stepped down as a City Councillor last year, died on 13^th December. Jane and I felt privileged to represent the City at his funeral today. David was a true friend even though we were of different political persuasions. I cannot improve on the words in the “Independent” newspaper: “….A forthright, unassuming man of great charm, aided by a dry wit, Candler kept life in politics in proportion; hating pomposity, he was never scared of asking difficult questions which helped to remind politicians who they were serving.”  I think we should all remember that!

The City Council’s Planning Committee was held later than usual at 7pm. The consideration of the application for a new stadium for the Worcester Football Club was the major item, the debate lasting three hours. I eventually reached home at mid night!

Is tonight “Twelfth Night” or tomorrow? The Shorter Oxford English Dictionary says it is “the evening of the 5^th January, preceding Twelfth Day, the eve of the Epiphany, formerly the last day of the Christmas festivities and observed as a time of merrymaking”. But there is confusion as some count the night of Epiphany itself (6^th January) to be “Twelfth Night”. If you count 25^th December as the first day of Christmas then the 5^th January is the correct. Whichever day you favour do not leave your Christmas decorations up after “Twelfth Night”…it’s said to be unlucky!

Friday 6^th: Another meeting with the Rotary Club of Worcester to continuing the planning for our joint “Diamond Celebration Dinner” on Friday, 10^th February. It is really taking shape now so please come and enjoy this “posh street party” booking your places through the Mayor’s office: 01905 722001 or susan.okane@worcester.gov.uk.

Monday 26^th: Boxing Day and no mayoral engagements.

Originally “Boxing Day” was the day following Christmas when wealthy people would give a gift box to their servants. But now Boxing Day is a public holiday on December 26^th. or the first weekday after Christmas Day. It is the day associated with St Stephen, the patron saint of horses, so Boxing Day became linked with horse-racing and hunting.

Wednesday 28^th: The origins of “Jack and the Beanstalk” may go back to the Vikings. It first appeared in print in 1807. Jane and I were invited to a performance at the Swan Theatre this evening and took our four-year-old twin grand-daughters: it was as much fun watching them as it was the stage!

Sunday 1^st January 2012: Some wonderful news! In the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List was a great friend Sister Helen Spragg. I have known Helen for a long time and seen her work, as a Medical Missionary of Mary, of over ten years from the Kirambi Health Centre in Rwanda. She has transformed the health of the Community and the Batwa people in particular. She richly deserves this MBE.

Sister Helen Spragg

Map of Rwanda, including Kirambi

We approach 2012 concerned about the economy but let us not allow that to dim our anticipation of so many good things: the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, the Olympic Torch coming through Worcester, the Games themselves, the completion of the Library and History Centre, the University’s Arena.

Let us also not forget those worse off than us especially in Africa. International aid may be controversial but properly targeted an enormous amount of good can be done with remarkably little resource. Worcester has contributed in no small way. The Worcester Farmers’ Overseas Action Group has assisted communities in Uganda, the Worcester City Council, funded by DfID, has made a significant difference to the economic development of a Ghanaian district council and I have worked with others assisting Rwanda, South Sudan and Uganda.

My next mayor’s fund-raising event with the Rotary Club of Worcester is on Friday, 10^th February: “A Diamond Celebration Dinner” in the Guildhall. It should be great fun as a “posh street party”. Do come. Book your places through the Mayor’s office: 01905 722001 or susan.okane@worcester.gov.uk.

I have just finished reading “The Story of Worcester” by Pat Hughes and Annette Leach launched in the Commandery in October. The detail is amazing. I was struck especially by the very last paragraph: “The city flourishes and is a delightful place to live, large enough to have adequate amenities and set in attractive, easily accessible, countryside. Its history is fascinating; its future is in our hands. To borrow the motto from the Royal Grammar School, “Respice et Prospice” – “Remember the past and look to the future”.